Group Leader Resources
Use your skills and experience to give back to your outdoor ministry! Please share with us about your gifts, skills, experience, and interests. Anyone affiliated with Caroline Furnace is eligible to volunteer on a committee. Some committees require appointment by the Board of Directors due to access to confidential information. If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors, your information will be shared with the nominating task force.
NEW! Book now, pay later option for 2023 group retreats. Make plans with your groups who are meeting virtually or outdoors now and would like to gather overnight later. Group size limitations are based upon current state guidance and any gathering restrictions in effect at the time.
Our mission is to provide unforgettable faith, education, and renewal experiences in God's creation for all God's people.
To protect the health and safety of all staff, guests, and participants, we require that all guests and participants complete a 14-day, self-monitored health pre-screening. This includes a daily temperature and symptom log, plus a few specific questions, to track and minimize the risk of introducing the virus to our community. Any illness, symptoms, or other concerns should be discussed with our staff prior to arrival at camp. Anyone who is considered high risk or has high risk family members should consult with their healthcare provider and Caroline Furnace staff before participating.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in ministry! And thank you for your patience and grace as we continue to develop the best course of action and adapt to this ever-changing situation. We remain hopeful that our retreat season will continue (at least somewhat) as scheduled, and we continue to implement standards and guidelines as recommended by the American Camp Association (ACA), CDC, and VDH. Our staff are working with each retreat group to ensure best practices.
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We know that our retreat groups face a number of challenges during this time. We also understand the importance of time spent together in community right now. Let us help you reinvent your retreat! We can help design a retreat plan that works for you.
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Get in touch with our staff using the contact form below! Let's set up a Zoom meeting or phone call to discuss how we can best serve your group.
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Questions? Concerns? Ask our staff about:
Transportation logistics
Health screening and check-in procedures
Small group cohorts and programs
Hybrid options and Wi-Fi zones
and more!
We make retreat planning easy.
Here in Fort Valley, we have no sidewalks, red lights, commuter traffic jams, cell phone service, or bright street lights at night. You can expect to hear the sounds of the forest during the day and to see the best night sky around.
Caroline Furnace is a year-round retreat center with a range of lodging, meeting and outdoor spaces, providing group rentals, service opportunities, summer camp, day use, programmed retreats and more. We serve church, nonprofit, family and community groups of all types, from groups of 10 to 200+.
Located in the Massanutten Mountains of Virginia, Caroline Furnace is a peaceful space to put away your cell phone, emails, and social media - a place to reconnect and discover. Caroline Furnace is a place to encounter God in God’s creation and through an intentional Christ-like community. We believe this experience has the power to permanently change lives. Caroline Furnace is committed to remaining a special place apart, with a focus on God’s grace and presence, and on positive community building.
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Let's plan your next retreat!
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To make a reservation or get help with retreat planning, give us a call at 540-449-0012 or email heidi@carolinefurnace.org. We're happy to help you plan your retreat as much or little as you'd like. Once we sort out the details of retreat dates, group size, meals and activities, we will send you a booking contract. We ask that you sign and return your contract to us with a 30% deposit within 30 days of receipt. Your 30% deposit is non-refundable if you cancel within 180 days of the reserved date. A deposit and signed agreement are required for a confirmed reservation. Not ready to book quite yet? No worries, we can pencil you into our calendar for up to 30 days as you confirm details with your group.
*Note: We do not accept American Express.
We look forward to working with you to make your group's retreat a success!
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Find Group Leader Resources here: details & policies, a Sample Activity Participation Agreement form, and more!
Explore our retreat spaces to learn more:
For any group of 25 to 115
For any group of 10 to 25
Rustic lodging for up to 48
Coming Soon: Retreat planning checklist, easy-to-share details for your participants, local recommendations, sample retreat schedules, teambuilding resources and more!